Morning Read: Post Endorses Patrick Mara For At-Large Seat

Receive the latest first-read-dmv updates in your inbox

The Washington Post has endorsed Patrick Mara for the at-large D.C. Council special election race. The editorial board wrote that Mara is a socially progressive Republican who would bring some “welcome independence to a council dominated by think-alike Democrats."

Seven candidates are vying for the seat vacated when Phil Mendelson was elected council chair. Mara currently represents Ward 1 on the state board of education and has long been an advocate for strengthening ethics in government.

IN OTHER NEWS:

* Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling announced he would not be endorsing anyone in the gubernatorial race, saying both candidates have a lot to prove to voters. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

* Gov. McDonnell signed a bill barring circuit court clerks from disclosing who has a concealed-handgun permit. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

* Two men who used their nonprofits to help cover up former Councilman Harry Thomas Jr.’s stealing of government funds have been sentenced to probation and community service. (WTOP)

* The fact that the District proposed Poplar Point -- land currently under the control of the National Park Service -- to house the new FBI headquarters shows that they don’t really want the headquarters to stay in D.C. (Washington Business Journal)

* A massive development plan that would change the face of Alexandria over the next 30 years would also displace thousands of residents. (WTOP)

* Members of the Maryland House Judiciary Committee say they are considering changes to Gov. O’Malley’s proposed assault weapons provision that would ban semiautomatic rifles not by name, but by features common to the guns. This would soften O’Malley’s original provision. (Capital Gazette)

* The Maryland House of Delegates gave its preliminary approval to O’Malley’s gas tax hike, putting the legislation that would raise transportation funds on the fast track to passage. (Maryland Reporter)

* A federal appeals court upheld a Maryland law requiring handgun permit applicants to demonstrate a “good and substantial reason” for carrying a weapon outside their own home or business. (News4)

* About seven D.C. fire department employees will be disciplined for their role in at least three ambulances being incorrectly labeled as “out of service.” (DCist)